H.E.R. Next Chapter: Rise, Restore & Renew

94th Annual Eastern Regional Convention Ladies Program
April 15th to April 19th, 2026
Tropicana Hotel, Altantic City, NJ

Eastern Regional Convention Ladies Program

Artiea Smith

Eastern Regional First Lady

About First Lady Artiea Smith

First Lady Artiea Smith is dedicated to creating spaces where women can grow, lead, and thrive. She believes in the power of connection, community, and purpose-driven progress.

A native of Charlottesville, Virginia, and a proud graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and Liberty University, Lady Howard has devoted her personal and professional life to strengthening families and building lasting foundations. She leads initiatives that help military families achieve homeownership and long-term stability—efforts that reflect her commitment to empowerment, stability, and generational strength.

As Eastern Regional First Lady, she desires to continue the Region’s strong legacy of honoring, empowering, and uplifting the women of Alpha East.

LinkedIn

She is H.E.R

Healed. Empowered. Resilient

Her social impact initiative, She Is H.E.R., guides women towards healing, empowerment, and resilience in every dimension of their lives. The platform celebrates the experiences that shape our strength, deepen our wisdom, and build our confidence.

She Is H.E.R. affirms the “and” in womanhood by honoring the fullness of who we are and everything we can be:

We can be soft and powerful.
We can support others and invest in ourselves.
We can nurture and build.
We can carry the past and shape the future.
We can survive and thrive.

At its core, She is H.E.R. is a movement encouraging women to embrace both their strength and their softness, their purpose and their rest, their evolution and their healing.

A Message to the Ladies of Alpha East

Dear Beautiful Ladies of the East,

It is with genuine joy and heartfelt anticipation that I welcome you to the 2026 Eastern Regional Convention Ladies Program, taking place April 15–19, 2026, in the vibrant city of Atlantic City, New Jersey. This year, we will gather in sisterhood under the theme H.E.R. Next Chapter: Rise, Restore & Renew, grounded within my social impact initiative, She Is H.E.R. This theme invites us to reconnect with ourselves, honor our journeys, and step confidently into the next chapter of who we are becoming.

She is Healed. Empowered. Resilient.

Throughout the week, we will engage in interactive experiences, heartfelt conversations, and restorative moments designed to help us heal deeply — whether from personal challenges, professional transitions, or the pace of everyday life.

Together, we will:

Restore our balance
Renew our commitment to growth and sisterhood
Rise with confidence and clarity

H.E.R. Next Chapter is an invitation to release what no longer serves us by creating intentional space for women to pause, breathe, and rebuild from within H.E.R.self. Registration for the Ladies Program is completed through AlphaMX (the Alpha membership portal). Please connect with your Alpha significant other for any questions regarding registration. I look forward to turning the page into H.E.R. Next Chapter together.

With grace and gratitude,

Artiea Smith – Eastern Regional First Lady

Ladies Program Schedule

Thursday April 16, 2026

Suggested Attire:

- Welcome Reception: Casual Chic
- Game Night: Logo Sweatshirt/T-Shirt Night (Ex: High School/College/Sports Team/Sorority/Alpha Lady)

4:30 PM – 5:30 PM	Convention Registration / Hotel Check-in
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM	Welcome Reception: H.E.R. Next Chapter: Rise, Restore, Renew
10:00 PM – 12:00 AM	Convention Hospitality
10:00 PM – 11:30 PM	Ladies Program Game Night
10:00 PM – 2:00 AM	Local Host Committee Social Event

Friday April 17, 2026

Suggested Attire:

- Athletic Leisure Wear:
  - Additional Items you may want to bring: Bathing Suit & Slippers/Flip Flops
  - What will be provided: Robes & Slippers
- Public Program: Business

9:00 AM – 9:50 AM	Beachfront Breakfast w/ Keynote Speaker: Mind & Patterns/Roots & Regulations/Receiving Care
9:50 AM – 10:45 AM	Break/Transition
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM	H.E.R. Relaxation: Diaphragmatic Breathing, Guided Imagery, and Progressive Relaxation
10:45 AM – 11:00 AM	Transition
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM	Concurrent Sessions
	Session A: H.E.R. Space – Clearing Space: Digital Decluttering
	Session B: Healing H.E.R. Holistically
	Session C: H.E.R. Restore Flow: Stretch, Sound & Somatic Release \| Regulations Through Ritual & Sound
11:45 AM – 12:00 PM	Transition
12:00 PM – 12:45 PM	Concurrent Sessions
	Session A: H.E.R. Space – Clearing Space: Digital Decluttering
	Session B: H.E.R. History/H.E.R. Roots – Aromatherapy…Holistic Healing
	Session C: H.E.R. Restore Flow: Stretch, Sound & Somatic Release \| Regulations Through Ritual & Sound
12:45 PM – 2:00 PM	Lunch
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM	Break
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM	Snacks/Sip and Sample with a Sommelier
2:30 PM – 5:00 PM	Hotel Spa & Pampering Experiences
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM	H.E.R. Relaxation Hour: Diaphragmatic Breathing, Guided Imagery, and Progressive Relaxation
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM	Break/Slots/Dinner on Your Own
7:00 PM – 9:30 PM	Public Program: Social Advocacy and the Impact on 2026 Midterm Elections
9:00 PM – 11:00 PM	Vice President’s Reception
10:00 PM – 12:00 AM	Ladies Game Night/DJ/Line Dancing Instructor

Saturday April 18, 2026

Suggested Attire:

- Bridgeton Theme:
  - Floral, Pastels (request no black)
  - Lace, Ruffles, Pearls, Stones, Feathers, Gloves
  - Dresses: Knee Length, Tea Length, Floor Length

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM	Autumn Glow: Skincare
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM	Brunch Reception: Tea Tasting
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM	Guided Reflection & Journaling
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM	What Breaking Cycles Requires of US
12:15 AM – 2:00 PM	Empowerment Luncheon: Session: Unlearning Survival: Rewriting the Stories That Hold Us Back: Refilling Cup
2:00 PM – 2:15 PM	Affirmational Blessing
2:15 PM – 3:00 PM	H.E.R. Group Photo & Post Reception
3:00 PM – 8:00 PM	Break/Slots/Shopping/Dinner on Your Own
8:00 PM – 10:30 PM	Miss Black & Gold Pageant/Collegiate Scholars Bowl/Stroll Show
10:0 PM – 12:00 AM	Miss Black & Gold Pageant/Collegiate Scholars Bowl/Stroll Show
10:00 PM – 2:00 AM	Local Host Committee Social Event

Sunday April 19, 2026

Suggested Attire:

- Derby Theme:
  - Jewel Tones, Bold, Florals
  - Fascinators, Hats, Gloves

11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Brunch with the Brothers

ERC 93 Highlights

Ladies Program Community Service

In 1975, five passionate women—the “founding mothers” of The Atlantic County Women’s Center, now AVANZAR—established a 24-hour rape and sexual assault counseling hotline, receiving forwarded calls on their home telephones. With an increasing number of domestic violence calls to the hotline and few social services resources available to help, they quickly mobilized their efforts. The founding mothers opened their own homes as “safe houses” to provide emergency shelter for survivors of domestic violence.

Shelter Needs

- - Tampons and pads are among the most critical needs.
  - Hair Care (Diverse Needs): Wide-tooth combs, afro picks, hair oils, edge control, hair ties, and shampoo/conditioner for curly or textured hair.
  - Basic Hygiene: Deodorant (unscented preferred), soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, razors, and shaving cream.
  - Oral & Dental Care: Toothbrushes, toothpaste, and dental floss.
  - Skincare & Personal Care: Unscented lotion, face wash, sunscreen, lip balm, and Q-tips.
  - Baby/Children Items: Diapers (especially sizes 4-6 and nighttime), wipes, and baby wash.
  - Bathroom Supplies: Towels, washcloths, shower shoes, and toilet paper.
  - Cleaning Supplies: Clorox wipes, laundry detergent, and dish soap.
  - Small Accessories: Nail clippers, hairbrushes, and hair scarves/wraps.